Join us as we photograph Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas.

The incredible biodiversity makes this one of the top areas in the country for nature photography. We visit here during fall foliage. The lush fall forests, beautiful mountain ranges etc. The streams and waterfalls are flowing with great color.

We also will photograph wildlife. Black bear, white tailed deer, elk, coyote, and wild turkey are commonly seen. For the Elk and the White Tailed Deer their antlers with be prime at their largest size. We will photograph rutting behavior. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. The Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile.

This tour will greatly enhance your skill as a photographer. We will be doing a lot of landscape, wildlife, and macro photography. We also have a conference room reserved for additional critique sessions and lessons.

We will cover several subject including exposure, depth of field, histograms, shutter speed, filters, macro, wildlife photography, digital darkroom, Photoshop, and lightroom.Our itinerary will be planned around recent wildlife activity and weather conditions. We will take advantage of the lighting and the unique opportunities.

Our goal is to capture the best images we can during our tour. Each day we will be starting before dawn and ending after sunset. We have access to a conference room where we will over some more techniques and do photo critiques.

The tour is based in Townsend, TN which is centrally located to many of the parks best photo locations.

When: Oct 22-26, 2014

Where: Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Vicinity Tour begins and ends in Townsend, TN.

Price: $785. Per person includes , instruction, and transportation. Park admission, permits and transportation from hotel to field locations.
There is also an additional discount for NANPA members please call for details.

Group Size: Our groups are small in size this one is limited to 6 people. We will work with each participant to provide complete, informative, helpful lessons. This also ensures that no question is left unanswered. Before and after each workshop we will assess each participants needs, interests and skills so we can teach techniques that will help each participant.

What's Included: Also included are transportation from hotel to field locations, instruction, gates fees and permits.

Not Included:The hotel is not included but we reserved a block of rooms under Slonina Photography.

About Me: John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has been photographing for over 25 years. He estimates he has taken over 400,000 photos. John has a love of natural history as well. You will receive information on photo technique and the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer